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1 Metaplastic cells (immature squamous cells) New squamous cells at the squamocolumnar junction are continuously replacing columnar cells. 2  These new squamous cells are called metaplastic cells.3  The area of cell replacement is called the transformation zone. The normal cervix has two types of cells on the surfaceâsquamous cells and columnar (glandular or mucus producing) cells. 2  Additionally, new squamous cells are identified as metaplastic cells.
A simple squamous epithelium is a single layer of flat cells in contact with the basal lamina (one of the two layers of the basement membrane) of the epithelium. This type of epithelium is often permeable and occurs where small molecules pass quickly through membranes via filtration or diffusion. Simple squamous epithelia are found in capillaries, alveoli, glomeruli, and other tissues where rapid diffusion is required. Cells are flat with flattened/rounded nucleus. It is also called pavement epithelium due to its tile-like appearance.